DS3 Explanation and providers

Written by: Les Harper - Jan 8, 2009

DS3 (Digital Signal 3)

64 kbps is called digital signal zero, or DS0, and is not considered to be a high-speed line nowadays; the minimum for high-speed transmission is about 24 times faster than DS0, and is called DS1. This is more familiar as a “T1” line. A dedicated T1 line is always on, transmitting and receiving the equivalent of 24 voice conversations from the Internet provider’s servers. A large company needs something more than a T1 line and could probably use a T3 line powered by DS3 technology.

Major telecom providers typically offer a range of services and speeds, including DS3; for example XO, Qwest and ACC Business. Following are the details of a few DS3 service providers that we provide quotes for.

ACC Business:

• Comprehensive solutions for critical data networking needs with dedicated, digital transmission paths from speeds of 56 Kbps through to 45 Mbps (T-3). • Comprehensive networking solutions offering an array of networking options, including point-to-point and multi-point facilities, providing the flexibility and capacity business applications demand. • A tradition of network reliability. Customers benefit from the world-class AT&T Network, which provides industry-leading performance in terms of reliability and error-free transmission. It also has a wider footprint than any competitor, with the most Points of Presence (POP) nationwide. • Personalized care with dedicated project management and the expertise of a personalized point-of-contact, customers can be confident that their orders will always be well-managed.

Qwest: • Reliable transport service — Scalable, low latency, supports multiple applications (e.g., data, IP, ATM, voice, video, etc.) and flexible (allows you to build network configurations). • Cost efficient — allows you to combine multiple incongruent services over one line and aggregate slower speed services on to high-bandwidth trunks. • Security — the telecommunications facility is dedicated for your use, protecting the confidentiality of your information and making this one of the most secure services available. • Performance — SLA includes circuit availability objective of 99.999 percent end-to-end. • Continuity of operations — Enhanced Diversity routing assists in planning for disaster recovery. • Minimal delay — Private Line accommodates even the most delay-sensitive applications. • Integrated services — a single channelized interface on your local access facility provides access to different voice and data services. Enables cost-effective access to Qwest’s voice, Private Line and Internet services over one interface. New Edge Networks:

• 100% committed bandwidth with service level guarantees • Premium router equipment • Firewall, antivirus and anti-spam protection • Easily connect multiple locations for a multi-site network MegaPath:

• Unlimited High Speed Internet Access • Competitive Prices • DNS Management • Public and Private IP address • Monitoring and maintenance • 24 x 7 Support

XO:

XO has following T3 / DS3 Dedicated Internet Access Plans – • Businesses can easily scale their bandwidth needs with speeds starting at 6 Mbps and growing in 3 Mbps increments with fast and easy upgrades. Predetermined bandwidth at a price protected flat rate DS3 pricing. • Full and unlimited DS3 connection at 45 Mbps to meet the needs of businesses with high bandwidth requirements. Price protected flat rate DS pricing. • Flexible, high-bandwidth solution to businesses that have regular traffic patterns with periodic requirements for higher bandwidth. DS3 pricing based on payment for committed bandwidth on a monthly recurring basis with usage above the bandwidth commit charged on a per Mbps basis measured via the industry-standard 95th percentile calculation. Prices from these providers are available from our unique Price Quoting Tool on OUR SITE